Va. House panel backs legislation allowing use of Segway
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
concordmonitor.com
By Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. - A legislative committee endorsed a bill Tuesday allowing the use of use of a revolutionary, gyroscope-stabilized scooter on Virginia sidewalks and some roads.
The new Segway scooter was introduced last month by inventor Dean Kamen of Manchester, N.H. The two-wheel, battery-operated vehicle's speed and direction are controlled by the rider's shifting weight. It travels at a top speed of 12.5 mph.
On voice vote, the House Transportation Committee sent to the floor legislation that would allow the use of "electric personal assistive mobility devices" on sidewalks, bicycle paths and roads with a speed limit of less than 25 mph. Riders would be required to yield to pedestrians.
The state would not require a license, but localities would be authorized to enact licensing ordinances.
The committee watched a videotape illustrating how the scooters work. Gyroscopes make the vehicle so stable that it's virtually impossible to take a tumble. Riders advance by shifting their weight forward, back up by shifting backward, and turn using a toggle switch on a handlebar.
Segway advocates say the device has the potential to revolutionize short-distance travel. Consumer models, which will weigh about 65 pounds, are expected to be available in about a year at a cost of about $3,000.
Del. John A. "Jack" Rollison III, R-Prince William and sponsor of the bill, said committee members will get a chance to ride a Segway on Feb. 15.
Legislatures in New Hampshire and Washington state are studying similar proposals regarding the Segway.
In Washington state, Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup, has sponsored a bill to let people buy and use Segways without licenses or registration fees.
Last week, the New Hampshire Senate approved and sent to the House a bill to allow the machine on sidewalks and roads. |
